Do I Need a Printer for My Cricut Explore AIR 2?

Do you need a printer for your Cricut Explore AIR 2? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on what projects you plan to use your Cricut machine for and how often you plan to use it.

If You Plan to Make Custom Heat Transfers

If you plan to make custom heat transfers, then yes, you will need a printer. Heat transfers are created by printing an image onto special transfer paper and then using a heat press or iron to transfer the image onto the fabric or other item. Without a printer, this process cannot be done.

If You Plan to Create Vinyl Projects

You do not need a printer if you plan on creating vinyl projects since vinyl does not require printing. Vinyl is cut from specially designed rolls of adhesive-backed material and then applied directly to the surface of the item being decorated (t-shirts, mugs, etc). All that is needed for this type of project is the Cricut Explore AIR 2 machine and some vinyl.

If You Plan to Create Paper Projects

You may or may not need a printer depending on what type of paper projects you plan on creating. If you are only creating simple shapes and designs with paper then no, you do not need a printer. However, if your paper projects involve printing words or images then yes, you will need a printer in order to print them out before cutting them with the Cricut machine.

Conclusion: Whether or not you need a printer for your Cricut Explore AIR 2 depends on what types of projects you want to create with it and how often. For certain types of projects, such as custom heat transfers or printed paper projects, a printer is necessary in order to get the desired results. For other types of projects such as vinyl applications, no printer is required at all.